This week I'm back behind the wheel of the Toyota Crown, a nameplate that returned to the lineup for the 2023 model year after a 50+ year hiatus. Toyota sold just shy of 20,000 of them last year. My test vehicle is the top-range Platinum trim that adds a few new goodies this year: a Head-Up Display, powered tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Dynamic Rear Steering, and hands-free power trunk.
Exterior
With its fastback shape, the Crown's bold design is so different from the rest of Toyota's sedan lineup that its Toyota badging is likely to be a surprise. My test vehicle's exclusive-to-the- Platinum Bronze Age and Black two-tone exterior paint is rather striking paired with 21-inch 10-spoke machined alloy wheels.
The Platinum's large black grille is flanked by slim Quad-LED low and high beam headlights. Other grade features include heated, power-folding outside mirrors with puddle lights.
Performance
The Crown's 340-horsepower HYBRID MAX powertrain is a highlight. Available only on Platinum, the system pairs Toyota's hybrid system with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is really impressive - as is the 400 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.
Interior
The Crown's mostly black interior is nice, but it's not the most exciting cabin ever. It did gain some upgrades in 2024, but I'm still looking for a bit more interest. Though I have to say the white contrast stitching and piping on the 8-way power leather-trimmed front seats is well-done. The front seats, both three-level heated and ventilated, are comfortable with cushiony side bolsters. A nicely heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters thanks to the Platinum-only Hybrid max powertrain.
Cabin technology is great in the Crown which features two 12.3-inch screens. One is for the digital driver display, and wow are the graphics terrific. The other 12.3-inch screen is for the very responsive multimedia touchscreen, which runs the terrific Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Both the graphics and map quality are great. The system is compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can receive over-the-air updates. Toyota's 'Hey Toyota' Intelligent Assistant is well-done, too. It helps you control things like heated seats using voice command. The Platinum is also equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor and 11-speaker JBL audio system.
There's no learning curve for the traditional non-haptic dual-zone climate controls on the center stack. A slim glossy black-trimmed center console integrates the gear shift, vertical smartphone charger, brake auto hold, the parking assist feature, and two USB-C ports.
The second row is a tale of two stories. Great on legroom but not so great on headroom due to its sloped roof design and stadium seating. It's not overall very practical. The middle seat is also an issue for those over 5'5" inches tall. Passengers enjoy heated seats, A/C vents, 2 USB-C ports and a cushiony drop down armrest with cupholders. While there's not a lot of window real estate back here due to tall door panels, a large fixed panoramic glass roof lightens up the interior.
The Crown isn't short on cargo space. It's also easy to access with a new for 2025 power liftgate with kick sensor. An optional logo'd cargo mat gives it the cargo area an upscale appeal.
Other Platinum standard features include in-cabin LED lighting, and rain sensing variable wipers.
Ride and Drive
The Crown's enjoyable ride and drive gets even better for 2025 thanks to Dynamic Rear Steering which improves handling. Overall, the ride is more crossover than sedan like due to its height (it has 3-inches of ground clearance over the Camry).
There is plenty of power and standard Adaptive Variable Suspension helps deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. Six drive modes include: NORMAL, ECO, SPORT, SPORT+, COMFORT or CUSTOM. Sport+ delivers the most engaging ride with the most responsive steering feel. For longer road trips, I'd opt for Comfort or Normal for their easy-going driving manners.
Safety
The lineup is equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams and Proactive Driving Assist. Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Seat Reminder are also standard. In 2024, the Platinum added standard Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist.
The Platinum is the only grade with Toyota’s Advanced Park system and a new for 2025 color Head Up display.
Options
Options include the premium paint ($425) and two-tone paint ($550) along with mudguards ($155), illuminated door sills ($345), side puddle lamp ($165), Key glove ($20), wheel locks ($105) and a Carpet mat package ($319).
What You'll Pay
I have to admit to a bit of sticker shock with this one. The Crown Platinum gets more expensive for 2025 - closing in on a Lexus-like $60K. The 2025 starts almost $2000 ($1,920) higher than the 2024 version, but okay, it does also get a few more standard goodies. This 2025 model also has more options than the one I reviewed last year, bringing the total MSRP to $58,169 - roughly $3K ($2,720) over the 2024's $55,449 sticker price.
Verdict
The Toyota Crown is a distinct vehicle with some really wonderful features including a fantastic powertrain that doesn't sacrifice fuel economy for power, wonderful driving dynamics and great in-cabin technology. As with the 2024, I'd still like to see more cabin upgrades to match the price point - though the soft-touch seat backs are worth noting.
- What I liked most: Power, smooth acceleration, cabin tech.
- What I would change: I’d like to see more cabin upgrades.
- MSRP: Base price $54,990. As equipped $58,169 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 29 city/32 highway/30 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,260 miles.
- Official Color: Bronze Age ($425) + Bi-Tone Paint ($550).
- Weight: 4,343 pound.
- Length-Width-Height: 196.1" long/72.4" wide/60.6" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- Spare Tire: Compact spare.
- Final Assembly Point: Aichi, Japan.
- 2025 Crown Platinum in a few words: A stylish crossover-styled sedan with great driving dynamics and technology.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty, 8-year/100,000 mile hybrid warranty, 2 years free maintenance.
- Manufacturer’s website: Toyota
